Juicing v blending: which is better?

No one seems to chew their fruit and vegetables anymore. No one. Consuming them in a liquid form is currently the only way to go. Some people love juicing, while others can’t get enough of blending their plant-based goodies into a deliciously thick smoothie.

But which one is actually better for you? Juicing? Or blending? Let’s find out…

JUICING 101

Juicing is a process where the water and nutrients from the produce are extracted, discarding everything else. “Freshly juiced fruit and vegetables feed the body with live enzymes and bioactive vitamins and minerals,” explains Michèle Wolff, B.H.Sc Naturopathy, Dip. Colonics and author of Digestive Solutions. “However, some of the benefits from the skin of the fruit and vegetables are removed during the juicing process.”

The benefits of juicing

Without lots of fibre and pulp in the drink, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to breakdown the food or absorb the nutrients, which is beneficial when digestion has been compromised. Juicing also allows you to consume a lot of plant-based foods in one hit. “Green juices are high in chlorophyll, which is good for your red blood cells,” adds Michèle. “They are also very cleansing for the liver and high in minerals.” Don’t like adding too many greens? Red, purple and blue juices filled with cherries, blueberries and raspberries actively decrease inflammation in the gut and other tissues in your body. Juices can also be used for cleansing the body, as they help remove toxins.

BLENDING 101

Blending entire pieces of fruit and vegetables to create a smoothie means you consume all their key nutritional attributes because the fibre is not removed. It’s as though you’re eating the fruit and vegetable whole. “However, when blending, oxygen makes its way into the fruit and vegetables creating the process of oxidisation,” explains Michèle. “This slowly reduces the nutritional value of the fruit and vegetables, so it is important to blend for as short a time as possible.”

The benefits of blending

Smoothies are super-easy to prepare at home, and as the fruit and vegetables are kept whole, the nutritional value is much higher than a juice. When other foods like protein powders, seeds and nuts are added, smoothies truly are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re also an easy way to consume various plant foods you normally wouldn’t eat, and the fibre will keep you feeling full for hours and help avoid blood sugar spikes.

WHICH IS BETTER: JUICING OR BLENDING?

Both juicing and blending are beneficial for the body. “Blending ensures the whole fruit and vegetables are consumed, without getting rid of any vitamins, minerals or fibre,” says Michèle. This not only makes the drink thicker, but more nutritious, too. Your body does need to work harder to absorb the nutrients, but this creates a slow, even release of nutrients. “Blending can also be used as a meal or snack as it can keep you fuller for longer.”

However, if your health is compromised, Michèle suggests juicing as it takes the pressure off your digestive system, making it a great way to help heal or cleanse the body. “Juicing extracts the pulp and fibre so it’s smooth and easy to drink.” It’s also easy for your body to digest, is absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly, and allows you to consume a larger amount of fruit and vegetables in one single serving.

So, it appears both juicing and blending provide your body with a hit of nutritional ingredients, just in different ways. If you struggle to consume your daily two fruits and five vegetables, we simply suggest picking which one works best for you – juicing or blending – as you’ll reap the benefits either way.

Did you know consuming plant-based foods in a liquid form was really good for you? Do you juice or blend your fruit and vegetables? If so, what’s your favourite recipe?